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Yasukuni Shrine

I think some of us would be familiar with this shrine - literally ‘For The Peace of the Country shrine’, Yasukuni is the memorial shrine to Japan’s war dead. It is pretty controversial:14 class-A WWII war criminals were enshrined here.

Seen by some as a symbol of Japan’s perceived lack of penitence for its imperialist past, it often angers China and South Korea whenever the PM and other leading politicians visit the shrine.

My main purpose there was actually to visit the nearby Yushu-Kan - this museum peddles a view of World War II deemed unpalatable by most. While the text has been purportedly toned down over the years, it’s still known to anger some visitors with its particular view of history. But unfortunately, it was closed for the holidays when we were there.

Making our way to the shrine with our Japanese friend Yukiko <3

The tori gate at the entrance.

The general atmosphere of the place was very solemn, and kinda sombre.

Love the juxtaposition of old and new.

All these pictures are making me die for another vacay… counting down!